The holidays are about giving, especially to those who are less fortunate.

But those who are less fortunate are not always people.

Lake Orion’s Simply Marcella’s boutique owners realized this and held their first Lake Orion rendition of the Claus for Paws event - a “Christmas wish list event for our furry friends.”

On Dec. 15, customers were encouraged to come in and bring cans of food, litter, treats, blankets and more for the pets at the Oakland County Pet Adoption Center. In exchange, Simply Marcella’s had a visit from Santa from 12 p.m.. to 3 p.m. that day to give gifts to the generous donators. According to Owner Marcella Costin, the event was a huge success.

“It was overwhelming and we had way more people than we expected,” she said. “We were asking for actual items that the center wanted and I would say 50 people came by but it was probably more than that really. We ended up having a lot of people who didn’t know about the event come by and donate monetarily and we may even get the dog that was here adopted.”

The people at the Oakland County Pet Adoption Center agreed and said the event really helps the animals they care for. Administrative supervisor for the center, Joanie Toole, said this was a big event and mentioned doing it again next year.

“I just would love to thank Costin,” she said. “It was very generous and it really helps us out here at the shelter, especially the animals.”

Costin started doing these types of event’s four years ago, but this is her first in Lake Orion. She described herself as a huge animal lover and said she usually will do something for them at her other locations as well. A similar event took place in the St. Clair Shores store last Sunday.

For more information about Simply Marcella’s, call 248-814-7400 or visit them online at simplymarcella.com.

For more information on adopting a pet from the Oakland County Pet Adoption Center, call them at 248-391-4100 or visit them online by searching “Oakland County Pet Adoption Center.”